History of the NFL Man of the Year Award

This site was made to celebrate the good guys in sports. It is important to recognize people for doing the right thing and acting the right way. That is what the NFL Man of the Year is supposed to do with some special NFL football players. This post will acknowledge all those that have won this award during this century, share some information about each individual and link their charities if you want to know more about them. Heck, you may even want to donate to one of these excellent organizations.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is presented each year and it honors players for work on and off the field. It was named after Walter Payton starting in 2000, prior to that it was just the NFL Man of the Year. Let's look back at these great players who are better people.

2019 NFL Man of the Year

Calais Campbell

DE Jacksonville Jaguars

Campbell is an active player since 2008, he was traded to the Ravens this offseason
5x Pro Bowler
3x All-Pro
Campbell has 2 Jaguars team records
Started CRC Foundation to teach critical life skills to young people

2018 NFL Man of the Year

Chris Long

DE Philadelphia Eagles

Played from 2008-2018

2x Super Bowl Champion

2007 ACC Defensive Player of the Year

Raised 1.3 Million in 2017 for charity through Pledge 10 for tomorrow.

With his Chris Long Foundation, Long tries to turn obstacles into opportunities, including helping people during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

2017 NFL Man of the Year

JJ Watt

DE Houston Texans

2011-Present

5x Pro Bowler

5x 1st Team All-Pro

3x Defensive Player of the Year

3 Texan franchise records

Raised 37 million for victims of Hurricane Harvey including donating 100,000 himself

President of Justin J. Watt Foundation which provides after school opportunities to children

2016 NFL Man of the Year (Tie)

Eli Manning 

QB New York Giants

2004-2019

2x Super Bowl MVP

4x Pro Bowler

Works with American Red Cross, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, March of Dimes, and more

Started Eli and Abby Manning's Children's Clinics

https://www.umc.edu/Childrens/Eli-Manning-Childrens-Clinics/Eli-Manning-Childrens-Clinics.html

2016 NFL Man of the Year (Tie)

Larry Fitzgerald

WR Arizona Cardinals

Fitzgerald is an active receiver for the Cardinals and has played since 2004

Fitzgerald is a minority owner of the Phoenix Suns

11x Pro Bowler

3x All-Pro

2x NFL reception leader

2x NFL receiving TDs leader

17,083 career receiving yards

120 career receiving TDs

2003 Heisman runner up at Pittsburgh

Holds 25 NFL records and more than 40 Cardinals franchise records

Fitzgerald has numerous charity initiatives led by his first down fund

Larry's First Down Fund is designed to promote reading proficiency and technology access for K-12 youth and support efforts to prevent and cure breast cancer.

Fitzgerald has long been the NFL spokesperson for the fight against cancer.

2015 NFL Man of the Year

Anquan Boldin

WR San Francisco 49ers

Boldin played from 2003-2017 in the NFL

3x Pro Bowler

Super Bowl Champion

National Champion 1999

Boldin attended Florida State University and was the 3rd Seminole to win the NFL Man of the Year Award.
Boldin had 13,779 career receiving yards
Boldin had 82 career receiving touchdowns
He has 5 NFL receiving records and 3 more records for the Cardinals along with one additional Ravens receiving record
Won the award for work with the Q81 Foundation
The Q81 Foundation "is dedicated to expanding the educational and life opportunities of underprivileged children."

2014 NFL Man of the Year

Thomas Davis

LB Carolina Panthers

2005-Present

Davis signed with the Washington Redskins in 2020

Recovered from 3 major ACL tears

3x Pro Bowler

2x All-Pro

Founded Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation TDDDF

TDDDF aims to educate, empower, and defend dreams of underprivileged families

2013 NFL Man of the Year

Charles Tillman

DB Chicago Bears

2003-2015

2x Pro Bowler

1x All-Pro

3x Brian Piccolo Award

Tillman's Cornerstone Foundation helps improve lives of critically and chronically ill children

Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation

2012 NFL Man of the Year

Jason Witten

TE Dallas Cowboys

2003-2017, 2019-Present

11x Pro Bowler

4x All-Pro

Jason Witten's Score Foundation helps victims of domestic violence

https://jasonwitten82.com/foundation/

2011 NFL Man of the Year

Matt Birk

C Baltimore Ravens

1998-2012

6x Pro Bowler

2x All-Pro

Super Bowl Champion

6x Vikings Man of the Year

Named 6th smartest athlete by Sporting News in 2010

Established HIKE foundation which aims to impact lives of at-risk children

HIKE Foundation

2010 NFL Man of the Year

Madieu Williams

S Minnesota Vikings

2004-2012

Madieu Williams Foundation focuses on health and wellness

Madieu Williams Foundation

2009 NFL Man of the Year

Brian Waters

G Kansas City Chiefs

1993-2013
6x Pro Bowl
3x All-Pro
The Brian Waters 54 Foundation helps underprivileged kids. Unfortunately, I could not find a link.

2008 NFL Man of the Year

Kurt Warner 

QB Arizona Cardinals

1994-2009

Hall of Famer

2x NFL  MVP

Super Bowl MVP

4x Pro Bowl

2x All-Pro

10 NFL Passing Records and shares several other records

Founded First Things First Foundation which pays for a week long trip to Walt Disney World for dozens of kids each year

First Things First

2007 NFL Man of the Year

Jason Taylor

DE Miami Dolphins

1997-2011

6x Pro Bowler

4x All-Pro

2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

The Jason Taylor Foundation Assists South Florida Children in need

Jason Taylor Foundation

2006 NFL Man of the Year (tie)

Drew Brees

QB New Orleans Saints

2001-Present

13 Time Pro Bowler

Super Bowl Champion

5x All-Pro

2010 SI Sportsman of Year

7x NFL Passing Leader

10 major NFL records including most passing yards and touchdowns all-time

Brees really helped reinvigorate New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina

The Brees Dream Foundation aims to improve the life of cancer patients

http://drewbrees.com/

2006 NFL Man of the Year (tie)

LaDanian Tomlinson

RB San Diego Chargers

2001-2011

Hall of Famer

5x Pro Bowl

6x All-Pro

#21 retired by Chargers

2006 NFL MVP

Numerous NFL Rushing Records

His charity is called Team America and aims to lead the country to a new standard of tolerance

2005 NFL Man of the Year

Peyton Manning

QB Indianapolis Colts

1998-2015

14x Pro Bowler

10x All-Pro

5x NFL MVP

Numerous NFL Passing Records

Assisted with Hurricane Katrina relief with brother Eli

The Peyback Foundation aims for future success of disadvantaged youth

2004 NFL Man of the Year

Warrick Dunn

RB Atlanta Falcons

1997-2001

3x Pro Bowler 1997 Rookie of the Year

Atlanta Falcons ring of honor

1993 National Champion with Florida State

3x First Team All-ACC

Dunn challenged NFL players to donate $5,000 to Hurricane Katrina relief and raised 5 million dollars

Founded Athletes For Hope with several professional athletes to help people get involved in charitable causes.

In October, Warrick Dunn helped deliver his 173rd home to a single parent through his Home for the Holidays program

One of the recipients of the Home for the Holidays program was Texan QB Deshaun Watson's mother

2003 NFL Man of the Year

Will Shields

G Kansas City Chiefs

1993-2006

Hall of Famer

12x Pro Bowler

7x All-Pro

Founded Will 2 Succeed which aims to help those with no access to aid.

2002 NFL Man of the Year

Troy Vincent 

CB Philadelphia Eagles

1992-2006

5x Pro Bowler

2x All-Pro

National Advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault

Love Thy Neighbor Community Development and Opportunity Corporation wants to empower people to build healthier communities.

2001 NFL Man of the Year

Jerome Bettis

RB Pittsburgh Steelers

1993-2005

Hall of Famer

Super Bowl Champion

6x Pro Bowler

3x All-Pro

The Bus Stops Here Foundation aims to improve life for underprivileged youth

2000 NFL Man of the Year (tie)

Derrick Brooks

LB Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1995-2008

Hall of Famer

Super Bowl Champion

11x Pro Bowler

9x All-Pro

2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

2006 Pro Bowl MVP

100th Anniversary All-Time Team

2000s All-Decade Team

#55 Retired by Buccaneers

2x All-American

1993 ACC Defensive Player of the Year

1993 National Champion for the Florida State Seminoles

208 consecutive starts for weakside linebacker is an NFL record

Founded Brooks-Debartalo HS in Tampa

Derrick Brooks has numerous charitable endeavors headlined by his Brooks bunch program. That program took kids on trips all over the world.

Now, Derrick Brooks Charities do numerous amazing things in the community

2000 NFL Man of the Year (tie)

Jim Flanigan 

DT Chicago Bears

1994-2003
The James Flanigan Foundation aimed to improve child literacy
There was no available link for the James Flanigan Foundation

- Noland

Ten 30 for 30s I'd Like To See

Last week, I ranked the top 30 for 30s so far. If you missed it, click here. This week I give you the top 30 for 30s that I'd like to see. Here are 10 documentaries that I would love to see done and why they would make great documentaries.

10. T-Mac

Tracy McGrady is an NBA Hall of Famer that will be remembered by some as a guy that couldn't advance past the first round. He made teams perennial playoff teams, but was stuck in that round. It wasn't until signing with the Spurs in 2013 (his last NBA season) that he finally got minutes outside of the 1st round. He never did get a championship ring as San Antonio lost in the NBA Finals that year. A lot to enjoy here from one of the biggest personalities in league history.

9. The Peter Warrick Story

This is probably actually higher on the list, but how can Warrick not be #9. The best wide receiver in college football history, the Dillard's incident, being selected #4 overall, long career, but not legendary as some predicted. There are so many interesting storylines with Peter Warrick to discuss.

8. Jeffrey Maier from Baltimore Perspective

Jeffrey Maier grabbed a ball that was a routine fly ball and interfered in play giving Derek Jeter a home run somehow. This story has always been glossed over in sports while we vilify Bartman for going after a ball in foul territory. I would really like to see this story from a Baltimore perspective with some insight from the guy right under the fly ball, Tony Tarasco. 

7. TO Show

Terrell Owens is one of the greatest receivers of all-time. However, some have nicknamed him team obliterator because of their perception that he ruins team chemistry. It would be really neat to see what teammates truly thought about him and the good and bad of his career.

6. The Sam Bowie Story

This guy was picked in between Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan. What it must have been like to be him with everyone disliking him because the best ever went one spot later. This is something that would interest a lot of people.

5. The Streak: The Story of Cal Ripken Jr.'s Legendary Streak

Most players can't even play a full 162 game season in baseball. Cal Ripken Jr. played 2,632 games in a row. How is that eve remotely possible? It would be cool to see them really dive into this story and the night he broke Lou Gehrig's streak.

4. Warrick Dunn Story

One of the nicest guys in NFL history, a lot of people don't know what Warrick Dunn went through in life. The guy had a murdered mother and raised his siblings at 18. You could show how that guy went to become one of the most charitable men ever and show him dominating in football on the way.

3. The Kid: The Story of Ken Griffey Jr.

The only athlete of my lifetime that has come close to Jordan in terms of popularity was Ken Griffey Jr. The swagger, the wearing the hat backwards, the skill, and that beautiful swing. This guy was everyone's favorite player in the 90s and I am sure he has quite the story to tell.

2. Charlie: The Story of How a Heisman Winner Played in the NBA

Two of the best movies in this series focus on two sport athletes Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders. What about the guy that won a Heisman and then went to play pro basketball? Are you telling me people wouldn't love watching this?

1. Wire to Wire: The Story of the 1999 FSU Seminoles

The 1999 Seminoles were the first team to go wire to wire. The team was dominant all season long. They had a legendary coach, the greatest college receiver of all-time and a ton of swag. There would be no more interesting story than this one.

- Noland

The FSU Culture Problem Myth

A couple of weeks ago, RB Mario Pender was dismissed from the Florida State Football team for being a completely terrible human being. You do not ever hit a woman. EVER! No excuse for it. Jimbo Fisher as per usual did the right thing! With this dismissal, it did seem like a perfect time though to bring up the perception of Florida State Athletics to the country at large though.

There is a myth around college sports in general and especially Florida State Athletics when it comes to a culture problem. That being said, I do realize that Florida State has its issues and some things do need to tighten up. However, every issue at Florida State is completely overblown (other than when a serious crime actually happens and each time that player is dismissed!) and more reflective of the population at large. After reading this piece, you will see where I and so many other Seminoles are coming from.

First, this is nothing new, this myth it has been talked about since the early 90s and as early as I can remember liking football. You remember Free Shoes University? That's what Gator fans used to call us over a minor issue and when we started to become public enemy #1. The scandal was that agents bought $6,000 worth of Free Shoes for players. That seems like small potatoes today, but at the time was one of the biggest scandals ever, for some reason. Think of how many shoes athletes today get for free and tell me again how this is a huge deal. Also just try and tell me about a college kid that would turn down free shoes....I'll wait....

Oh, by the way one of those players that was linked to the free shoes scandal was Derrick Brooks. That guy, went on to become NFL Man of the Year. Derrick Brooks is regarded as one of the greatest humanitarians in the history of the league. He recently helped start a charter school here in Tampa. Brooks is well known for numerous charitable efforts. This is one of the greatest people to ever play football and he played at Florida State. While here, he was linked to that huge "scandal." I think we know that came out okay and any school would love to have Derrick Brooks as an ambassador for their program. The former linebacker now serves on Florida State's board of trustees.

Okay, so one good guy went to Florida State, so what?
Well, another NFL Man of the Year went to Florida State and played on the same team as Brooks. Warrick Dunn is that man who many would say is one of the best people in this country, not football players, but people. As of October 2015, Warrick Dunn had quietly given away 145 homes to single mothers. This dude dedicates his life towards providing a better life for single parents. I sure wish we had more ambassadors for college football programs like Florida State has in Warrick Dunn and Derrick Brooks.

The fantastic people to come out of Florida State does not end there....
Florida State has produced more NFL Men of the Year than any other school. This past year, Anquan Boldin, became the 3rd Seminole to win the Award. A school with a "culture problem" somehow managed to produce the most people worthy of being the greatest humanitarian in the NFL for that season. My favorite current football player won this award for the incredible amount that he does for his community. Sure is incredible since his school has such great culture problems,

So what?
You have 3 fantastic people that have come out of the school. That does not erase all the bad stuff they have done. Okay, let's look at every little issue since the "free shoes." We already talked about that issue already.

Randy Moss never played a game for Florida State. The school decided to give him a second chance after he was kicked off the team at Notre Dame, but he was unable to ever suit up for the Noles and was kicked out of the school after failing a drug test.

September 29, 1999, Laveranues Coles and Peter Warrick received $412.38 clothing for $21.40 after a friend of theirs illegally discounted the clothes. While obviously we all see this as horrible, I can see how a college kid sees nothing wrong with this. Warrick was suspended until the end of the investigation (2 games) while Coles was kicked off the team. The media would have you believe it is a double standard and that Warrick got special treatment Coles did not. What they won't report is that Coles was already on probation from the team for previous academic and legal issues. To that point Warrick had made no mistakes and 2 games seemed an adequate consequence for a college kid.

Travis Johnson in 2003 was accused of sexual battery by a female athlete. An all female jury acquitted Johnson after less than 30 minutes of deliberation. The case was pursued all the way to court though by State Attorney Willie Meggs.

Adrian McPherson tried to write a check to his friend forging someone else's name on November 18, 2002. Immediately upon hearing about the situation, Bobby Bowden kicked McPherson off the team. He was arrested and charged with felony grand theft on November 27. This was their starting QB and a guy that was 3-0 before his poor choice. McPherson was then charged with gambling in 2003 and bounced between the arena league and the NFL bench. Having nothing to do with this story, McPherson is currently the starting QB for the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL.

AJ Nicholson was removed from the roster for the bowl game against Penn State in the 2006 Orange Bowl. The suspension was for an alleged sexual assault at the team hotel. When asked about the incident, Joe Paterno said "a pretty girl comes to your room, what are you supposed to do?" That quote by JoePa should tell you all you need to know about Bowden v. Paterno.

The Seminoles had an athletic cheating scandal across multiple sports that rocked the athletic department in 2007. What most people don't tell you though here is that it was an academic tutor that provided the athletes the benefits. The athletes were immediately suspended. There was also no coach that had any knowledge of wrongdoing. Most important to realize though is that FSU self reported the violation to the NCAA and enacted scholarship restrictions on their own! Quite embarrassing that this happened at all, but I am proud that the university took the accountability up themselves and self reported. They enacted some consequence on the athletic department immediately.

Preston Parker was kicked off the team due to legal issues.

Greg Reid was kicked off the team due to legal issues.

Greg Dent was kicked off the team due to legal issues.

Jimbo Fisher has kicked off every person that has had serious legal issues. He has let investigations finished when we did not know all the facts. Fisher also maintained that his players were innocent until proven guilty. Fisher has run a clean program and never had a team put on probation.

So let's be honest about what this is about. You people hate Jameis Winston and think he got away with something.

Let's take a look at Mr. Winston's past then.....
Jameis Winston became public enemy in 2013 when he was accused of rape. Almost a full year after the alleged rape actually happened and multiple extortion attempts. Jameis has not been charged by anyone that has reviewed this case. Not FSUPD, not TPD, not the state attorney, not a former supreme court justice in the state. He was not only never convicted of this alleged crime. He was not even charged with wrongdoing at all in this case. Not even in a code of conduct hearing by one of the most respected justices in Florida history. A judge that was chosen in agreement by the accuser.

There is other stuff he did though!

Sure, Jameis Winston shot BB guns, got a hookup at Publix for crabs that went wrong, and cursed in public. A college kid did college things. I have friends all across the country going to different schools, this stuff happens every hour on college campuses. Does not excuse what happened, but let's not crucify the guy. He was suspended for the crab legs and did community service and was suspended for cursing. Let it be. The guy has NEVER BEEN ARRESTED OR CHARGED. There are a lot worse characters than Jameis Winston playing this great game.

To assume some massive conspiracy involving Winston and/or FSU is insulting to far too many well respected and honorable people. You can believe FSU athletics, FSUPD, TPD, the State Attorney's office, justices, and lawyers all over the state or you can believe someone that changed her account multiple times and tried to extort money from Mr. Winston. Hopefully, you don't choose the latter.

Karlos Williams was another name frequently mentioned by the media. He was allegedly involved in a domestic abuse complaint, but no charges were filed and thus the case was dropped. Williams was also mentioned in some drug case, but it was only as some guy that the guilty guy knew. I know a few people from my HS that got arrested and are thus guilty too, we all do. This does not mean that Williams should be accountable for that in any way.

Dalvin Cook was accused of assaulting a woman outside of a club. However, after an incredibly suspect 911 tape was released and all the proof leading toward the woman lying, Dalvin Cook was declared not guilty in the court of law during a very short trial.

Shortly before the Cook situation arose, backup QB De'Andre Johnson was dismissed from the football team. Video was released of Johnson assaulting a female at a nightclub and he was dismissed immediately after proof of guilt.

And now, the Mario Pender issue happened. This is a very detailed history of the issues with Florida State Football Players, but let's not forget two important things....

1) State Attorney William Meggs
Meggs is well known as being a no nonsense district attorney that will prosecute to the furthest extent of the law. He also has a reputation as being more difficult on those involved with Florida State Athletics than the general population. Despite this though, critics will have you assume that Meggs covered up for the Seminoles and especially for Jameis Winston during his time as district attorney. Ignore the countless times he has tried to take down Seminole athletes, he is obviously a plant by the athletic department. That is why he pursued a rape charge against Travis Johnson with no evidence of wrongdoing, correct? Maybe he didn't pursue the case against Winston because Jameis is 100% innocent and even he realized any attempt to pursue the case would be futile.

2) No Seminoles Ever in Trouble in the League
Isn't it amazing that a team with this much alleged protection in Tallahassee and so many players drafted, never has an alumni with issues in the league. These guys are never in trouble outside of Tallahassee. Seriously, never! If the protection is so great, they'd have to get in trouble somewhere once they left that protection and enabled behavior. There are no cases though were Seminoles get into trouble in the league. Unless you count Randy Moss who never played a game for FSU or RB Sammie Smith who was drafted way back in 1989 there have been zero discipline issues involving people that came from FSU's program once they left FSU.

The facts are quite the opposite of what you would think of a school with a "culture problem." Instead of getting into trouble, FSU football players are winning awards for community service. If FSU has a "culture problem", I know a few other schools that could use a "culture problem." Let's help these other schools develop the incredible human beings that Florida State does.

In the interest of full disclosure before uncovering this information I will give my background and admit some bias (which most non-Seminoles do not do). I am a Florida State alum. I graduated in 2009 with a degree in Sports Management and came back to the school to get my Masters in Physical Education in 2011. Additionally, I met my wife at Florida State and that has just added to the fact that the school has held a special place in my heart my entire life. Now, knowing full well that I have been a Seminole fan my entire life and by reading this article, you can see things through my perspective.

-Noland

Some Positive News From a Football Player

You have heard all the negative news from the NFL lately. You have heard all the negative news from the Florida State Seminoles. You don't come here for the negative news though. You come here for stories that make you feel good. Despite what is being reported, there is good in football. Especially from the NFL and from Florida State. It is just that the media does not want to report it. Since the media does not want to report it, I will.

Warrick Dunn, yes the same Warrick Dunn that went to FSU (the same university that is trashed by the media) is up to doing great public service again. This NFL legend both on and off the field just donated his 139th home to a single mother. He has changed the lives of 139 families by setting them up for success. 139 families that truly needed the assistance. These are the things that we should talk about more than anything in sports. We should talk about people helping people. There needs to be a balancing act as we cannot ignore the bad, but we shouldn't act like all people are bad people. Kids need to know that celebrities are not perfect, but also know that they can make good choices. Warrick Dunn is one of those people that has always made a good choice.

The media needs to start making sure it reports stuff accurately and fairly too and gives people positivity. It is fine if the media decides to report on Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, etc., but they need facts and not just conjecture. These guys need to report the whole story and if you report on Greg Hardy, then make a big deal about Brandon Marshall too who suddenly gets a pass. If every news outlet is so critical of Jameis Winston who has never been arrested, then ESPN must be critical of their own Mark May who has been arrested 3 times and the NFL Network must be critical of Michael Irvin and Warren Sapp for their past transgressions. Just some consistency and some balance. I believe everyone wants consistency and balance. I think they also want to know that only 1 FSU player has been arrested while signed to a professional contract and his name was Greg Reid and the arrest happened before he was signed. FSU did have this amazing person named Warrick Dunn though and another NFL Man of the Year in Derrick Brooks. Those two amazing athletes make me proud to be a Seminole and Proud to Uphold the Garnet and the Gold. Let me know when graduates from another university do things as amazing as those two. Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn are fantastic human beings and Seminoles everywhere are proud of them. Congratulations Warrick on donating your 139th house to a deserving single mother.

-Noland

Proud To Be A Seminole

Watching FSU football this season it is easy to see why fans are so bullish on the Noles. The team is having a fantastic season. However, the Seminoles success this year goes well beyond the gridiron. Seeing stories like these make it easy to see why FSU alumi everywhere are so proud to be Seminoles.

Former FSU RB Chris Thompson sponsored a family for Christmas. Thompson provided far more than this person's wish called for. Full story here. Thompson is carrying on the long tradition of FSU RBs doing big things in the community. It is well known what Warrick Dunn has done providing homes for single mothers. Maybe Thompson one day will win NFL Man of the Year as Dunn once did.

It is well known of deeds like this by former players such as Warrick Dunn and Derrick Brooks, but what about the current Noles?

I am sure glad you asked.

Michael Sheerhorn a sophomore OL from Lutz, FL helped raise money for a young girl and her entire family to attend the National Championship game. Sheerhorn predicted that he would need 5,000 for the young girl and her family to travel to the game with no expenses. To date, with the help of several other Seminoles, Sheerhorn has helped raise more than 10,000. The excess money will go to the Children's Cancer Center. What a great deed. Here is a statement from Sheerhorn...
"When my brother Daniel was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma – a form of brain cancer – it was devastating to my entire family. Everything changed in a heartbeat. While Daniel’s medical team worked to cure his cancer, we soon found that it was going to take more than medicine for our whole family to beat this thing which had so suddenly and dramatically invaded our lives. The Children’s Cancer Center understands that, and we were fortunate to receive their help. They provided all kinds of day-to-day support for our entire family at a time when we needed it most.
Now I would like to pay that kindness forward, so I’m sending a child and her parent to the BCS Championship game in Pasadena!"

Then there is the story of Payton Poulin. Poulin is a lifelong Seminoles fan that is now a freshman at FSU. Now the Freshman is a symbol of hope for FSU after meeting Senior WR Kenny Shaw. Find out more about Poulin's story here. It is pretty unbelievable.

Reading all of these stories and knowing that it is just the tip of the iceberg makes it easy to see why us Seminole alumni are proud to be Seminoles. Go Noles!
We are ready for January 6th.

-Noland

Top 100 Seminole Football Players

Much like my past lists, this list is a Top 100 about the best Seminoles of all-time. This list will be based solely on their time as Seminoles and NFL accomplishments will not be considered. Deion's Super Bowl rings will not affect these ratings for instance. It is hard for some of the legends that I haven't seen in person, but this is a good list.

Again, this is based on their Seminole career, so although he may be the best player to ever wear a Seminole uniform, Walter Jones will not be a top 5 guy because he spent a very limited time with the Noles.

Also as much as I like Hopkins, Gano, and Janikowski, I still can't bring myself to put a kicker on my list. Therefore, none of those guys are included.

100. PK Sam   WR

99. Lonnie Pryor   RB/FB

98. David Castillo   OL

97. Lonnie Johnson   TE

96. Dekoda Watson   LB

95. Willie Reid   WR/KR

94. Joe Wessel  DB

93. Tom McCormick  OL

92. Ryan McMahon   OL

91. Pat McNeil   OL

90. Leon Washington   RB

89. BJ Ward  DB

88. Tony Carter   DB

87. Eric Moore   DL

86. Kirk Carruthers   LB

85. Antonio Cromartie  DB

84. Brandon Jenkins   DL

83. Bjoern Werner  DL

82. Sammy Smith    RB

81. Larry Key   RB

80. Broderick Bunkley   DL

79. Everette Brown     DL

78. Daryl Bush       LB

77. Christian Ponder     QB

76. Ron Dugans     WR

75. EJ Manuel     QB

74. Bobby Butler    DB

73. Ray Willis   OL

72. Paul Piurowski     LB

71. Derrick Gibson     DB

70. Willie Jones    DL

69. Monk Bonasorte    DB

68. Amp Lee       RB

67. Ed Beckham       TE

66. Ken Lanier     OL

65. AJ Nicholson       LB

64. Buster Davis      LB

63. Tamarick Vanover     WR/KR

62. Kamerion Wimbley     DL

61. Travis Minor    RB

60. Odell Haggins     DL

59. Melvin PearsalTE

58. Pat Tomberlin     OL

57. Greg Jones       RB

56. Brian Allen        LB

55. Ernie Sims         LB

54. Pat Carter         TE

53. Mark Lyles       FB

52. EG Green         WR

51. Danny Kanell      QB

50. Reggie Herring     LB

49.Jimmy Jordan        QB

48. Lawrence Dawsey     WR

47. Rodney Hudson     OL

46. Alex Barron        OL

45. Tommy Polley       LB

44. Sam Cowart       LB

43. Michael Boulware       DB

42. Dexter Carter      RB

41. Darnell Dockett     DL

40. Craphonso Thorpe    WR

39. Anquan Boldin     WR

38. Thad Busby     QB

37. William Floyd     FB

36. Tay Cody      DB

35. Marvin Minnis     WR

34. Paul McGowan   LB

33. Dexter Jackson    DB

32. Kez McCorvey     WR

31. Derrick Alexander     DE

30. Walter Jones     OL

29. Jason Whittaker     OL

28. JT Thomas     DB

27. Alphonso Carreker    DL

26. Tra Thomas     OL

25. Chris Hope      DB

24. Corey Sawyer    DB

23. Edgar Bennett     FB

22. Jamie Dukes      OL

21. Greg Allen       RB

20. Lee Corso       DB

19. Clay Shiver       OL

18. Jamal Reynolds      DL

17. Leroy Butler        DB

16. Casey Weldon     QB

15. Andre Wadsworth    DL

14. Peter Boulware    DL

13. Corey Simon       DL

12. Reinard Wilson      DL

11. Terrell Buckley      DB

10. Warrick Dunn        RB

09. Fred Biletnikoff       WR

08. Ron Sellers            WR

07. Chris Weinke      QB

06. Peter Warrick      WR

05. Marvin Jones       LB

04. Ron Simmons       DL

03. Deion Sanders      DB

02. Derrick Brooks     LB

01. Charlie Ward      QB

Where Are They Now: Warrick Dunn

Warrick Dunn is the best RB in the history of Florida State. He is also my favorite runningback. Dunn is a true legend and even more, is a great guy. It is his time at FSU though that makes him beloved at my alma mater. Dunn's #28 is one of the retired jerseys for FSU which just proves what he meant to the team. He holds several rushing records at FSU including career rushing yards. #28 is also the only Seminole ever to rush for 1,000 yards 3 times. Not only that, but he was All-ACC 3 times. Dunn was also a track standout @ FSU. Oh and there is that '93 National Championship thing too.

After FSU, Dunn was drafted #12 in the 1997 draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Him being drafted by the Bucs helped make me a Buccaneers fan back in the day. He was the rookie of the year in that initial season with Tampa. While with the Bucs, Dunn was named to the Pro Bowl twice and helped turn the franchise around in a positive way.

Following his time with the Bucs, Dunn moved on to Atlanta. Dunn made another Pro Bowl trip with the Falcons in 2005 after leading the team in rushing. Following his time in Atlanta, Dunn went back to the Bucs.

Dunn spent one final season with the Bucs in 2008 and even had a 100 yd game that season. After that, his career was over. He finished with over 10,000 yards and is an unlikely, but fringe Hall of Fame candidate. I think he deserves it. Hey, if Curtis Martin is considered one of the best RBs of all-time, why not Dunn? Dunn was one of 10 rushers under 5'11 to rush for 10,000 career yards. Now how many did it 5'8 or under?

During his career, Dunn was known as one of the good guys. He started the Warrick Dunn Foundation and Homes for the Holidays, charities which he is even more involved with today. These charities are set up in cities which Dunn is famous. They exist in Baton Rouge (hometown), Tallahassee (FSU), Tampa, and Atlanta. He also helped found an organization with Cal Ripken Jr., that helps athletes get involved in charitable causes. That charity is called Athletes for Hope. Dunn also famously challenged each NFL player to donate $5,000 to the Hurricane Katrina victims. Dunn's efforts raised 5 million for the victims.

In addition to that, Dunn has been recognized by others for his efforts. Former President Bill Clinton recognized Dunn for his civic leadership by way of giving him the Giant Steps Award. Dunn was named NFL Man of the Year in 2005 as well. Dunn received the Bart Star Award in 2009 as well.

Nowadays, Dunn does speaking appearances and runs his charities. He also is a minority owner with the Atlanta Falcons. This makes Dunn the most loveable owner in sports. Despite Dunn asking for a little bit too much $$ to speak at my school's sports banquet, I think Warrick Dunn is as classy as they get. Need more guys in sports like Warrick Dunn. I hope he gets in the Hall of Fame, because he was one of the NFL's best people and not just a football player.

-Noland

FSU's Ten Best Ever

Much like with the ten best current players, I decided to post Athlon's top 10 and then my top ten and analyze the pics. Here is the article/slideshow from Athlon.

Athlon Sports
10. Terrell Buckley
9. Warrick Dunn
8. Chris Weinke
7. Marvin Jones
6. Ron Sellers
5. Derrick Brooks
4. Peter Warrick
3. Ron Simmons
2. Deion Sanders
1. Charlie Ward

Simmons and Sellers are clearly Seminole legends, but they are also before my time. Therefore, I cannot put them on my list. Simmons is probably better known by my generation as Farooq. The guy is an absolute legend, but its hard to put him in a top ten when you haven't seen the guy play that much.

My List
10. Corey Simon
9. Reinard Wilson
8. Terrell Buckley
7. Warrick Dunn
6. Chris Weinke
5. Peter Warrick
4. Marvin Jones
3. Deion Sanders
2. Derrick Brooks
1. Charlie Ward

It is hard to argue with the people on Athlon's list. They all played professionally with the exception of Ward who is one of the most decorated athletes in history. Ward decided to play in the NBA rather than the NFL. The only thing that is up for debate is the order in which the athletes appear. Like I said earlier, I could not possibly pick someone who I didn't see play that much. I left on the other 8 though and added 2.

I added Corey Simon who was the anchor of the 1999 championship defense at #10. Simon was an animal inside. It was hard to not pick Andre Wadsworth, Samari Rolle, or Leroy Butler, but I think Simon was the slightly better choice. Also hard not to put Tra Thomas or Walter Jones two legends on the offensive line on this list either. During the dynasty years, FSU sure was loaded. Simon is an FSU Hall of Famer and was a consensus All-American during the wire-to-wire season. Since that may be the best team in NCAA history, I think 3 members of it can be in the top 10.

The other player I added to my list who wasn't on Athlon's was Reinard Wilson. Wilson has the school record for sacks in a career with 35.5. He won a national title as a freshman in 1993 and is another FSU Hall of Famer. The guy had 100+ tackles in the 1996 season where he was an All-American while also recording 13.5 sacks. How many guys get 100 tackles and that many sacks?

Terrell Buckley was #10 on Athlon's list and #8 on mine. Buckley was an animal at defensive back. This guy has the interception record at FSU (not Deion) and the Int return yards record (not Deion). He was named an All-American in the season he got 12 INTs and won the Jim Thorpe award that season.

Warrick Dunn was one spot ahead of Buckley on each list. Dunn is one of my all time favorites. If this list was about that, he would come in at #2 behind only Derrick Brooks. Despite being incredibly small Dunn was the best runningback in FSU history. He played with the heart of a champion and lead FSU to several victories. Dunn was 3 time All-ACC. He's the only Seminole to top 1,000 yards in 3 straight seasons. Dunn holds the career and single season rushing records for the Noles. This guy could have easily been higher on either list, but check out the other guys on the list.

Chris Weinke was the 1st 3 year starter under Bowden at QB. He is one of two Seminoles to win the Heisman. He led the Seminoles to the 1999 title. 32-3 was Weinke's record as a starter. The guy set 26 school records. This guy could be much higher, but a lot of his success was attributed to his age and Peter Warrick. I wanted to put the guy higher because I think those are bogus excuses, but who do you move down?

Peter Warrick was right after Weinke on my list with Marvin Jones and Derrick Brooks in between on the Athlon List. Warrick should have won the Heisman in 1999. He was the best player in football that year, but the Dillard's incident cost him all of the hardware that year. #9 didn't even get the Biletnokoff for that season. He has the most touchdowns in FSU history and is only behind Ron Sellers for catches and yards. Warrick was MVP of the Sugar Bowl Championship over Virginia Tech that season though as he went off.

Jones was not at FSU that long, but he sure did make an impact. Some would call him the face of those FSU defenses and even say he is the best Seminole of all time. I didn't go that far, but I moved him up to #5 when Athlon had him at #7. Jones was a two-time consensus All-American. He also finished 4th in Heisman voting. That should really tell you how good Marvin Jones was, he almost won the Heisman as a linebacker.  In 1992, Jones won the Lombardi and Butkus Awards during that amazing season he almost won the Heisman.

Derrick Brooks was another two-time All-American. He is my favorite football player of all-time. Athlon had him at #5, but I think that doesn't do him justice. I have him at #2 and nearly had him #1. When I think of Seminole Legends, Derrick Brooks is one of the first players that pops into my head. He is perhaps the biggest reason that I fell in love with FSU football. Well him and that #1 guy. Brooks was the big play guy on the 1993 National Championship team. That season, Brooks was ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Obviously, Brooks also went on to great success in the pros, but the guy was a class act at FSU and their best defensive player of my generation, perhaps ever.

In 1988 Deion Sanders won the Jim Thorpe Award. He was also a two-time All-American. Sanders holds 7 FSU records for punt returns and INTS. Sanders is the best cover corner to ever play the game, but that doesn't make him better at FSU than Derrick Brooks. I think the fact that he played multiple sports and was such an excellent cover corner factored into Athlon's vote. Derrick Brooks was the better player at FSU. Deion was so good though that you can easily see where he finishes anywhere in the top 5. I obviously think highly of him as I have posted a few times about him. The only guys I have higher are the two greatest to ever do it.

The #1 guy has to be Charlie Ward. Ward is #1 on every Seminole fans list. This man just made it happen. He is the most decorated athlete in Seminole history. Perhaps, he is the most decorated player in NCAA history. Ward was the Heisman winner in 1993 while leading the Noles to the National Championship. Ward set 19 school records and 7 ACC records. Charlie Ward claimed 30 individual awards in his time with FSU. Everyone thought the guy was great, especially in 1993. Not only that, but Ward is the most accurate passer in FSU history to go with his run-pass ability. It would have been interesting to see what Ward could do in the NFL, but he of course chose the NBA and we will never know.

-Noland